Scholars, Other Stakeholders Move To Expand Documents on Ile-Ife History, Holds Conference Tuesday

…It will encourage Yoruba people scattered all over the world to trace their root – Ooni Ogunwusi

Academics and stakeholders are set to deliberate on diverse cultural and historical records with a view to expanding documents and substantial record on ile-ife town, the cradle of Yoruba race and civilization.

A renown Professor of history, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso disclosed this on Friday during a press conference held at the palace of the Ooni of lfe, at the instance of the forthcoming International Conference on Ile-Ife and Yoruba Civilization.

The conference is scheduled to hold on the 13th of this month at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.

Prof. Oyeweso said the conference would chronicle significant roles played by the ancient city of ile-ife in the sustainability of cultural values, ideals and philosophy of Yoruba civilization.

“This conference brings together the fragmented pieces of ile-Ife’ culture, political, demographic, social economic and intellectual history from a multiplicity of perspectives.

“The conference deserves widespread interest and attention. Indeed, from the time it came into existence until Yoruba civilization crystallised, Ile-Ife has played significant role in ensuring that the people’s cultural values, ideas and philosophies have remained sacrosanct”, he said.

Prof. Oyeweso said the conference would identify and address several issues and subjects

He however, lauded the Ooni of lfe, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi for his prominent roles in promoting Yoruba culture through global tourism, saying the conference would complete his efforts.

He said “Since his installation, Ooni Ojaja II has embarked on several local and foreign trips to tie the loose ends and reestablish the cultural significance of the Yoruba race.

“The Ooni of Ife, is no doubt,very passionate about the preservation and restoration of the ancient city of Ile-Ife. Since his ascension to the throne, Ile-Ife has expanded exponentially and also witnessed several development.”

Speaking, Oba Ogunwusi described the forthcoming conference as a step further from what previous scholars have documented on same subject.

He noted that such intellectual works are necessary to encourage Yoruba race scattered all over the world to trace their root.

At the conference, Prof. Toyin Falola, University of Texas will delivery the keynote address on on “The Royal Dynasty of ile-Ife: An Ancient Rule and Contemporary Influence.

The lead paper presenters are Prof. Akin Ogundiran, Professor Olutayo Adesina, Prof. Abimbola Adesoji, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon, Prof. Mrs. Oyeronke Olademo, Prof. Mrs Cordelia Osasona and Prof. Isaac Albert.